Tag archives: gala
The annual Granada Theatre Legends Gala has become one of the most cherished events ever since its debut in 2015, and it’s easy to see why. The evening pays tribute to the trio of pillars that represent foundational aspects of the performing arts in town, an approach that has made the Granada such a smashing […]
You know, when I spend time with our students, I never give it a second thought that the world’s going to be a better place,” says Kindred Murillo, the interim President and Superintendent of Santa Barbara City College, in an inspired tone during our conversation. “When you talk with our students, they’re concerned about sustainability; […]
The American Institute of Architects Santa Barbara (AIA) hosted their Design Awards Gala for 2021 in December. It honored the achievements of local architects and architecture. The annual event provides a showcase of the members’ contribution to the architectural legacy of Santa Barbara and the value of well-designed work. The group recognizes design excellence in […]
You can be sure when the Music Academy of the West (MAW) has an affair it will be elegant. Their opening night gala, “The Return of Miraflores,” was no exception. There were more than 300 guests in attendance dressed in festive attire and excited to see their old friends once again. The whole event was […]
After 61 years, Gil Rosas will return to the El Paseo Restaurant on August 8 to recreate a photo made in 1960, helping the Profant Foundation host the Fiesta Finale Gala that has created hundreds of scholarships for artists of all ages over the past 21 years. The gala, organized by Musette Profant, includes […]
Millions of dollars’ worth of exotic horsepower was on display when Lotusland, the 37-acre paradise founded by the late Polish opera singer Ganna Walska, hosted its 26th annual gala, raising nearly $500,000. The botanical bash, co-chaired by interior designer Caroline Thompson and David Jones, chair emerita Belle Hahn, and honorary chair Hania Tallmadge, had a […]
Among the casualties of the coronavirus closures was the complete cancellation of all in-person events last summer at the Music Academy of the West, normally one of the highlights of the year on the classical calendar. Instead, the 120-plus fellows and faculty members collaborated on the Music Academy Remote Learning Institute (aka MARLI), which bridged […]
Everyone was clearly in the right aria when Opera Santa Barbara, celebrating its 26th anniversary, threw its annual gala at the Biltmore, with the 150 guests raising more than $236,972 for the organization, including $116,400 from a paddle raise conducted by artistic and general director Kostis Protopapas. The boffo bash, co-chaired by Joan Rutkowski, board […]
The president of the American Institute of Architects (AIASB), Robert Ooley, FAIA, called to see if I could attend their annual gala dinner, this year at the University Club. The Club had on its festive attire and so did the guests. The Santa Barbara Chapter is celebrating it’s 90th anniversary of service and excellence in […]
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School (OLMCS) had a gala at the gorgeous Rosewood Miramar Chandelier Ballroom to celebrate their 75 years of existence. As the saying goes, “You’ve come a long way, baby.” It all began in 1944 when Reverend John Meehan along with some of the parents founded the school. It began with […]
This fall gala put on by the United Boys & Girls Clubs (UBGC) of Santa Barbara County for 35 years raises much needed funds for the ten clubs and their development programs for the 2,000 kids they serve annually. This is where Great Futures begin at this fundraiser at the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel. Exxon […]
It was a record turnout when Montecito’s Our Lady of Mount Carmel School threw its 75th anniversary gala in the chandeliered ballroom at the Rosewood Miramar. The school, which started off with 30 students and now serves more than 200, raised around $200,000 for scholarships from the socially gridlocked fête for 350 guests co-chaired by […]
A tidal wave of generosity swept over the historic El Paseo restaurant when Heal the Ocean, celebrating its 21st anniversary, hosted its annual sold-out gala, raising around $300,000 from 200 guests. The fun fete had Montecito actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, now recovered from breast cancer surgery, as honorary chair and Los Angeles auctioneer T.Wanna Kennedy selling […]
Montecito über philanthropist Sara Miller McCune was honored when the State Street Ballet hosted its 25th anniversary gala for 150 guests in the Biltmore’s Loggia Ballroom, raising around $125,000 for the popular local dance company, which has 20 dancers representing six countries. The room was decorated in myriad shades of blue, Sara’s favorite color, while […]
As the stars in the sky illuminate our lives, so with the Legends to be honored this autumn night” – Carol Wilburn. The Granada always shines a light on its entertainment, but the annual gala called Legends is one of the biggest illuminations of the year. The honorees who shone were Carol Burnett, Opera Santa […]
Santa Barbara’s Breast Cancer Resource Center hosted The Pink Lounge gala for 300 guests at the Rosewood Miramar, which raised more than $230,000 for programs, which are provided at no cost to recipients. The 21st annual bustling bash in the chandeliered ballroom, co-chaired by Douglas Mackenzie and Joanne Funari, had Hayley Wise, 32, a breast […]
Veteran Montecito comedienne Carol Burnett, 86, was front and center at the fifth annual Legends gala on the stage of the venerable Granada Theatre. Carol, whose eponymous award-winning show ran on CBS from 1967 to 1978, was introduced by her good friend, fellow Montecito author and film writer Fannie Flagg, as video showed some of […]
The rotunda at the Hilton was jammed when the 38th Taste of the Town threw its 10th annual Connoisseurs’ Circle gala, co-chaired by Lori Farnsworth and John O’Neill, for 213 foodies and wine lovers 48 hours before its popular Riviera epicurean festival with a tidal wave of restaurateurs, caterers, winemakers, and breweries serving samples of […]
“Lotusland was created by Polish opera singer Madame Ganna Walska, and visitors should prepare themselves for the ultimate theatrical garden experience. Perhaps only in the climate and culture of Southern California could such a creation have been conceived and accepted, a fantasy of remarkable set-pieces of design and planting quite unlike any other garden.” The […]
Lotusland, the 37-acre botanical nirvana created by the late opera singer Ganna Walska and dubbed one of the ten most beautiful gardens in the world, took on a decidedly oriental flavor when it celebrated Memoirs of a Garden for its popular sold-out annual 500-guest gala, which was expected to raise around $500,000. The floral fest, […]
